A KEY road improvement scheme is already delivering significant reductions in journey times and congestion following its completion.
Works to improve the A1085 Longlands Road, Kings Road, Ormesby Road junction near the Buccaneer pub was carried out over the summer.
The work has included a complete renewal of the traffic signalling infrastructure, including the signals themselves, the signal controller and the underground ducting and cabling linking them.
Importantly, specialist software has also been introduced which is designed to improve the efficient operation of the signals and, therefore, the capacity of the junction.
An uninterruptable power supply has also been introduced to ensure the signals continue to operate in the event of failure of the mains power supply
The scheme is already delivering a significant reduction in congestion and journey times at the junction, particularly during the busy morning and evening peak periods, which has had a positive ‘knock on’ effect on the operation of the Longlands Road/Cargo Fleet Lane (Brambles Farm) junction as well.
Further evaluation is underway to ensure that the junction continues to operate as intended and the benefits continue to be felt across the wider road network.
Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “The new signals have been in operation for a couple of weeks now and we are already seeing the benefit of the works.
“There has been a clear reduction in congestion and travelling times which I am sure all motorists who regularly use the junction will appreciate, as will those who will see the knock-on effect on roads nearby.
“This work was carried out over the summer to keep disruption to a minimum and we want to say thank you to drivers for their patience while this was happening and hope they can see the benefits of what has been done.”